Podolski: No Draxler swap deal

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has denied claims that he was offered in part exchange for Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler during the January transfer window.

Reports have suggested Arsenal were willing to offer Podolski in part-exchange in a bid to lure long-term target Draxler to the Emirates in January.

Arsene Wenger is expected to rekindle his interest in the German international Draxler this summer, but Podolski insists he does not know if Arsenal are planning to move for the Schalke playmaker again at the end of the season.

"Every top player is of interest to Arsenal - and Draxler is certainly one of those. But I do not know what the [club bosses] are planning.

"I am in contact with Julian. He is a great guy. But we haven't spoken about any transfer."

Podolski, who has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Arsenal side this season, insists any possible swap deal with Draxler was a non-starter.

"I only know that a swap deal involving me and him was never a consideration," added Podolski.